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Avian influenza (bird flu): Latest situation
In November 2008 the UK became officially free from avian influenza (AI), according to the rules laid down by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). This will greatly assist negotiations by Defra and industry partners to regain access to third country markets.
Trade with other EU countries resumed on 8 July 2008, under separate EU rules on AI.
It is vital that all bird keepers in the UK continue to practice the highest levels of biosecurity and be vigilant for any signs of disease. If you are concerned about the health of your birds you should seek advice from your veterinary surgeon. If you suspect that your birds have avian influenza, you should report it to your local Animal Health Office immediately.
27 January 2010
Israel has reported an outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in a poultry breeder premises in Haifa. A preliminary outbreak assessment (PDF) has been published regarding this incident. We continue to emphasise the importance for poultry keepers to maintain vigilance for any signs of clinical disease in their birds, promptly report suspect cases and maintain appropriate levels of biosecurity.
22 January 2010
France has reported an outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus in a commercial turkey breeding flock in the department des Côtes-d’Amor. France is the fourth country to report such an outbreak. Further information on this case is available on the OIE’s website. The European Commission has produced guidelines on surveillance, monitoring and control measures for the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus in poultry, which were endorsed by Member States. Further information can be found on the European Commission website.
1 December 2009
The USA has reported an outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus in a commercial breeding turkey flock. The USA is the third country to report such an outbreak following cases reported in Chile and Canada in recent months. Further information on this recent case is available on the OIE’s website.
26 November 2009
A preliminary outbreak assessment (PDF) has been published regarding a case of highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) of subtype H5N1 reported in a pigeon near Moscow, Russia. This follows previous reports of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds in Central and East Asia during 2009 which have broadly followed the pattern of cases reported in 2005/6 which culminated in outbreaks in Europe during 2006. We continue to emphasise the importance for poultry keepers to maintain vigilance for any signs of clinical disease in their birds, promptly report suspected cases and maintain appropriate levels of biosecurity.
16 October 2009
A preliminary outbreak assessment (PDF) has been published regarding an outbreak of highly pathogenic AI of H7 type in poultry in Spain. As the autumn migration season has now started, poultry keepers should continue to maintain vigilance for any signs of clinical disease in their birds, promptly report suspected cases and maintain appropriate levels of biosecurity.
News archive...
Animal Health's disease alerts service - Register and be kept up to date with the current disease situation.
Ker current information
- Biosecurity
- Bringing birds indoors
- Bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings.
- Access to land
- Vaccination
- Game shooting
- Contingency Plan for Exotic Animal Diseases
Guidance
- For food safety advice please see the Food Standards Agency website.
- Key guidance relating to farmed, pet or otherwise kept birds including:
- Bird disposal: Guidance on the disposal of poultry and dead garden and wild birds.
- Defra factsheet - Information on clinical signs, transmission and disease control.
Page last modified: 3 February, 2010